When supervising a physical therapist assistant’s care of a patient at any setting, the supervising physical therapist shall comply with the following standards of supervision:

(1) The supervising physical therapist shall be accessible either in person or by telecommunications to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating patients;

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 36-10-35.9

  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

(2) The initial visit shall be made by the supervising physical therapist for evaluation of the patient and establishment of a plan of care;

(3) At least every five physical therapist assistant visits, there shall be a joint visit or a treatment rendered by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant shall be supervised by the supervising physical therapist at least once every thirty calendar days. Every five physical therapist assistant visits or every thirty days, whichever occurs first, a documented conference with the physical therapist assistant outlining current treatment goals and program modifications shall occur. The supervising physical therapist shall make the final scheduled visit to terminate the plan of care; and

(4) Each visit by the supervising physical therapist shall include:

(a) A complete assessment of the patient;

(b) A review of the plan of care with appropriate revision or termination; and

(c) Assessment and recommendation for utilization of outside resources.

Source: SL 1996, ch 231, § 15; SL 2017, ch 173, § 12.